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SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. – Frog gigging, or frogging, is a great way to enjoy Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources while also putting food on the table the whole family can enjoy. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic 6:30 to midnight on Friday, July 29, at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery near Sweet Springs. The clinic is free and open to youth ages 7-17 and their parents or adult mentors, but all participants must preregister by July 27.
Participants will have a classroom session to learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification, and regulations. Staff will also teach participants how to clean their catches to take home and cook. Frog giggers will then have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC staff.
“Catching frogs can be a challenge enjoyed by the whole family,” said Conservation Agent Chase Wright. “If all goes right, frog legs are the reward that awaits the taker after a successful night of frogging.”
This year’s frog season begins at sunset on June 30 and will continue through Oct. 31. Daily limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs, and 16 in possession. Children under the age of 16, and resident adults older than 65, are not required to have a permit. Frogs are allowed to be harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. With a fishing permit, frogs may be harvested by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole and line during frog season. With a hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, or by hand or hand net.
To register, or for more information, contact Saline County Conservation Agent Chase Wright at 660-641-3345 or by email at chase.wright@mdc.mo.gov.
Blind Pony Fish Hatchery is located at 16285 BP Hatchery Drive. From Sweet Springs at I-70, go north one mile on Highway 127, then east 6.5 miles on Route ZZ.
To learn about other Discover Nature programs in mid-Missouri, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/central.
